Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

Your motorcycle is your key to fun, thrilling rides any time you wish to take them. Whether you’re going on a long-distance adventure or tackling the daily commute to work, your bike will get you there in comfort and style. However, even the most experienced riders with the highest quality models are not immune to an unexpected issue popping up with their bikes. As enjoyable as it is to ride your bike, a breakdown in the middle of the road can spoil the fun pretty quickly. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for handling any issues during a ride.

With a little knowledge under your belt and the right tools, you can actually perform plenty of motorcycle maintenance and repair tasks yourself. At SoCal Honda Powersports, we want all of our customers to stay safe, so we’ve created this guide with some helpful tips. If you have any questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, contact us at our dealership in Carson, California.

Proactive Maintenance

Your first priority should be to prevent any issues from happening. Regular maintenance will keep your motorcycle running smoothly and reduce the risk of problems cropping up. Consult your owner's manual for specific tasks to handle, such as oil changes, filter replacement, clutch or brake adjustments, and chain tightening. You'll also want to do pre-trip inspections. Look over your motorcycle for red flags, such as corrosion on your battery or improperly inflated tires. It's much better to catch issues in the safety of your home rather than on the open highway.

Staying Prepared

Your next step is to ensure that you are equipped to handle basic maintenance situations on the road. Always pack your bike with a repair kit that includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, tire patches, a portable air compressor, and a fuel siphon. Of course, you should also know how to use them properly. If you encounter a minor issue, you'll be ready to handle it so you can get back to riding.

Get Out of Traffic

If your motorcycle starts to act up when you’re riding it, the first thing you should do is to get off the road as soon as possible. If you’re going to attend to it immediately, pull over into the shoulder right away. If it’s possible to keep moving until you safely reach an exit, do that before pulling over. Make sure you signal your situation to other motorists and be very watchful as you maneuver through traffic. Get your bike as far away from moving cars as possible.

Decide Your Approach

When faced with an emergency maintenance situation on the road, there are two basic options before you: fix or flee. If you’re equipped with the skills and the tools to tackle the problem and are in a safe area, the best option might be to fix the snag. If you’re in a narrow shoulder or a high traffic area with vehicles flying past you, it might not be safe to start working on your motorcycle right then and there. 

Fleeing might be the best approach if it's not safe to fix your motorcycle or if you don’t know how to address the problem. If there is a gas station or a mechanic within walking distance, you can make your way over there. Another option is to contact a friend who owns a truck or a trailer to help you haul your bike back home or to a repair shop. You can also call a roadside assistance service. You should be able to quickly check online and locate a towing company or a mechanic nearby.

This guide should give you a good idea of where to start when it comes to addressing motorcycle maintenance issues on the road. Here at SoCal Honda Powersports, we have dedicated technicians who are committed to helping you with all your motorcycle concerns. Just get in touch with us at our dealership in Carson, CA, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time. We proudly serve all those in Los Angeles and Long Beach.